Research Funding Information

Northeastern University is known for our experiential
cooperative education program; however, Northeastern is also committed to research. Northeastern is determined to be a top
producer of research conducted among higher education institutions with a focus
on innovation. Though theoretical basic is vital and relevant, Northeastern
focuses on use-inspired research,
meaning that multidisciplinary faculty led teams over 37 centers work on resolving
national and global challenges. In order to progress in our research mission,
however, funding is always needed. But the university cannot do this on our
own; external funding especially from the federal government is required in
order to continue in our exciting research endeavors. There are many federal
agencies that do provide funding our research, along with the state,
foundations and corporations. NU is committed to advocating for increased
federal research funding from such agencies as the National Institutes of
Health, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the
Department of Defense, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Growth and Success

Northeastern's ability to cultivate relevant research and
results would not be possible without outside funding. In recent years, the
University's research funding from federal agencies - including the National
Institute of Health, National Science Foundation and others - has risen
dramatically. This success stems from Northeastern's "use-inspired" research
model is aligned with three national imperatives: health, security, and
sustainability. These three global challenges are what Northeastern research
centers and institutions are concentrated on. We are also committed to interdisciplinary
and collaborative research, both within Northeastern and with outside
organizations such as hospitals, other universities and companies.

Northeastern's President, Joseph E. Aoun, is dedicated to
expanding research and guaranteeing even greater success:

"Northeastern's commitment to use-inspired research ensures
that new ideas, knowledge, and discoveries are available to meet a wide-range
of critical needs, particularly in health, sustainability, and security. Our
considerable expertise and distinctive approach to research are transforming
some of society's most pressing issues."

It is because of our approach that funding for Northeastern
research has nearly doubled over the past four years. In 2006, there was a
recorded $44.1 million for research, and in 2010, that dollar amount rose to a
staggering $81.9 million. There are various Federal agencies that do offer
research funding, and some will follow.

For a more in-depth look at Northeastern University's
research mission, centers and institutions, visit Northeastern University's Research webpage.

To view the Office of Research newsletter "Research
Connections" click here.

Funding Resources

Northeastern,
along with many other research universities, is committed to advocating for
increased federal research funding for the following federal agencies as well
as others.

Department of Energy

The Department of Energy is the single largest Federal government supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, providing more than 40 percent of total Federal funding for this vital area of national importance. It oversees, and is the principal Federal funding agency of, the Nation's research programs in high-energy physics, nuclear physics, and fusion energy sciences. Such a diverse research portfolio supports tens of thousands of principal investigators, post-doctoral students, and graduate students who are tackling some of the most challenging scientific questions of our era.

The Department of Energy's education programs help ensure an adequate supply of scientists, engineers and technicians for energy-related research, production activities, and the transfer of technology. The advancement of science, mathematics and technology education is an essential part of Energy's mission.

National Science
Foundation (NSF)

The NSF funds research and education in most fields
of science and education. It does this through grants, and cooperative agreements
to more than 2,000 colleges and other research organizations throughout the
United States. NSF funding accounts for about one-fourth of federal support to
academic institutions for basic research. The NSF budget in FY 10 is over $7
billion.

NSF
funding, however, is very competitive, as they receive approximately 40,000
proposals each year for research, education and training projects, of which
approximately 11,000 are funded. In addition, the Foundation receives several
thousand applications for graduate and postdoctoral fellowships.

Northeastern
has various research centers that perform ongoing research sponsored by the
NSF, such as the Antimicrobial Discovery Center, the Center for High Rate
Nanomanufacturing (pictured above), and the Center for Subsurface Sensing and Imaging Systems.
The Center for Microcontamination Control is the only Industry/University
Research center established by the NSF.

Pictured above: Northeastern's Nanoscale Science and Engineering Research Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing (CHN), housed at the George J. Kostas Nanoscale Technology and Manufacturing Research Center. The Center has received $24.88 million from the NSF to date.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The
NIH's Office of Extramural Research (OER) research grants account for approximately
83 percent of NIH's $31 billion budget. These are awarded to research centers
throughout the U.S. and abroad. The OER is determined to uphold their mission to
"provide the corporate framework for NIH research administration, ensuring
scientific integrity, public accountability, and effective stewardship of the
NIH extramural research portfolio." Funding for an application depends on a rigorous system of peer
review: scientists, physicians, and other experienced individuals in biomedical
fields from around the world evaluate the merit of proposed research and its
potential to advance science.

Research funded by the NIH improves the Nation's health and well-being, while also benefiting the economy. Northeastern University is a member of the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research, a coalition of patient and voluntary health groups, medical and scientific societies, academic and research organizations, and industry, and signed onto a letter in August of 2011 urging Congress to maintain funding for the NIH.

Department of
Defense

Other federal
funding agencies include the Department of Defense's (DoD) including the office
of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which is the research and
development office for the DoD. DARPA funds the research done at Northeastern
University that is focused on innovations for National Security. For more
information, visit the public policy site on National Security.

Humanities

In addition, the
National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts
are discussed under the Public Policy Issue of Humanities.